SAP integration · LessonBy Arjun, SAP Solution Architect · Published · SAP S/4HANA 2023 · all levels
REST
REST/OData integration connects systems to SAP over HTTP with JSON, the modern, lightweight style used for cloud, web and mobile integration. In SAP this typically means calling or exposing OData services.
Quick answer
Use REST for real-time, lightweight, web/mobile and cloud integration.
Key takeaways
- REST integration exchanges JSON over HTTP using standard verbs, either external systems calling SAP’s OData/REST APIs, or SAP (via…
- OData/REST APIs as endpoints.
- JSON payloads and HTTP verbs.
- Watch out: Wrong tool for the integration style.
What REST integration does
REST integration exchanges JSON over HTTP using standard verbs, either external systems calling SAP’s OData/REST APIs, or SAP (via CPI/BTP) calling external REST services. It is simple, widely supported, and ideal for real-time, request/response integration.
Key aspects
- OData/REST APIs as endpoints.
- JSON payloads and HTTP verbs.
- OAuth/token security.
- Query options for efficient data access.
When to use it
Use REST for real-time, lightweight, web/mobile and cloud integration. For robust async document exchange prefer IDoc; for SAP-to-SAP program calls, RFC/BAPI; REST/OData shines for modern, service-based scenarios.
Common pitfalls
- Wrong tool for the integration style.
- Ignoring monitoring/error handling.
- Point-to-point instead of governed integration.
Practice challenge
+0 XPStreak ×0
Question 1 of 3
Which statement is true of REST?
Frequently asked questions
What does REST stand for, and how is it used in SAP integration?
REST/OData integration connects systems to SAP over HTTP with JSON, the modern, lightweight style used for cloud, web and mobile integration. In SAP this typically means calling or exposing OData services.
What does REST exchange data with?
REST integration exchanges JSON over HTTP using standard verbs, either external systems calling SAP’s OData/REST APIs, or SAP (via CPI/BTP) calling external REST services.
What is worth remembering about REST in practice?
Use REST for real-time, lightweight, web/mobile and cloud integration.
What tends to go wrong with REST in SAP integration?
Wrong tool for the integration style. Ignoring monitoring/error handling. Point-to-point instead of governed integration.